The Government has issued a new special circular aimed at restoring livelihoods disrupted by adverse weather conditions and providing relief to businesses affected by recent disasters.

The directive, released under Budget Circular No. 08/2025 dated December 5, 2025, together with its amendments, introduces fresh guidelines to strengthen the relief framework. 

Officials said the program’s primary objective is to extend broad concessions to enterprises temporarily halted due to disaster situations, enabling entrepreneurs to recover and rebuild their income streams more effectively.

The circular also addresses issues that arose in granting allowances under sub‑section 8 of the earlier framework, offering revisions and clarifications to ensure the process is implemented with greater efficiency and transparency.

Authorities noted that the initiative is expected to empower affected business owners, stabilize communities, and accelerate the return to normalcy in disaster‑stricken areas. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Navy has acknowledged the invaluable support of foreign warships, which had arrived to take part in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025, extending much-needed Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations during the recent weather disaster in Sri Lanka. 

The International Fleet Review 2025 was held off the Galle Face seas, marking the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Sri Lanka Navy.

Representing the Government of Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya graced the event and received the traditional naval salute from onboard SLNS Gajabahu, as the participating foreign warships paid their honours.

Eight foreign naval warships arrived in Sri Lanka by November 27, to take part in the IFR under the theme “Sailing Strong – Together”. 

The participating warships included the Bangladesh Navy’s BNS PROTTOY, the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS VIKRANT and INS UDAYGIRI, the Iranian Navy’s IRIS NAGHDI, the Maldivian Coast Guard’s CGS HURAVEE, the Royal Malaysian Navy’s KD TERENGGANU, the Pakistan Navy’s PNS SAIF and the Russian Navy’s GREMYASCHCHY.

Due to the disaster situation triggered by severe weather conditions across Sri Lanka, foreign warships that arrived for the event were promptly redirected to support humanitarian efforts. 

A Sri Lanka Navy statement said that, particularly, helicopters deployed from the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS VIKRANT and Pakistan Navy’s PNS SAIF played a praiseworthy role in search and rescue missions for affected communities.

Accordingly, the warships representing each nation joined the IFR, honouring proud maritime traditions and in acknowledgement of Sri Lanka and its Navy. Their participation also reinforced collective cooperation and partnership needed to address non-traditional maritime threats in the region, as well as natural disasters driven by climate change.

PM Harini Amarasuriya expressed gratitude to a group of diplomatic officials present on this occasion for their support in the disaster relief operations. 

The officials, who were present on the occasion, represented the High Commissions and Embassies of Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Russia in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Army has commenced restoration of the steps that had become unsafe in the Mahagiridamba area along the main access route to Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) due to the disaster situation in the country, to facilitate safe access for devotees.

The Sri Pada pilgrimage season for this year commenced on 04 December 2025, but the steps along the route have become unsafe due to landslides that occurred in the area due to extreme weather.

Accordingly, the Army promptly deployed troops for restoration work with effect from 11 December 2025. 

At present, around 400 troops are engaged in restoration work, providing the necessary assistance to transport construction materials to the site through difficult terrain.

According to an Army statement, the 300 mm side wall has been fully completed, while construction of the 500 mm wall reached approximately 90% completion on 31 December 2025. 

The main retaining wall is presently under construction, with around 65% of the work completed, and the handrail is also approximately 70% completed.

The Sri Lanka Army states that the project is expected to be completed by 05 January 2026. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the expansion of Sri Lanka’s disaster relief loan program to cover all categories of entrepreneurs, including large-scale businesses.

Under the new scheme, micro-entrepreneurs will be eligible for up to Rs. 250,000, small-scale businesses up to Rs. 1 million.

Medium to large-scale entrepreneurs can obtain up to Rs. 25 million, all at an annual interest rate of 3%. The repayment period is three years, including a six-month grace period.

The decision builds on the previously approved ‘RE-MSME’ loan scheme, which provided concessional working capital loans to micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises affected by recent disasters.

Unlike the initial phase which involved state banks, the extended scheme will now include licensed commercial and specialized banks to increase reach and impact. The government has allocated Rs. 5 billion for the initiative, the Cabinet spokesperson said.

The proposal was submitted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Policy Planning, and Economic Development. (Newswire)

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The government has decided to grant special leave to public officials who were unable to report for duty due to floods, landslides, and road blockages.

The relevant circular was issued yesterday (16) by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government, addressed to all ministry secretaries, provincial chief secretaries, and heads of departments.

Accordingly, officials who were unable to report for duty due to the Ditwah cyclone, suspension of public transport services from their place of residence to their workplace, road blockages, or being affected by disasters, are entitled to this special leave.

To obtain this special leave, officials must submit a request to the head of their institution, endorsed by the Grama Niladhari of their area and certified by the Divisional Secretary, stating the reason for their inability to report for duty.

The institution head must examine the request certified by the Divisional Secretary, and only if personally satisfied with its accuracy, forward it to the department head for approval of the number of days of special leave.

The Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has further announced that this special leave should be granted only for the months of November and December. (Newswire)

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The Integrated Task Force of the Shatrujeet Brigade of the Indian Army yesterday (10) restored an essential communication infrastructure in the Mahiyanganaya region, one of the worst-affected areas near Kandy.

According to the Indian High Commission, following Cyclone Ditwah, a major disruption had occurred in the Mahiyanganaya region, where the cyclone severely damaged the Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) network, triggering a widespread communication blackout.

Responding to an urgent request from Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT Mobitel), the Indian Army signallers swiftly moved into action. 

Despite difficult terrain and challenging weather, the team reached the affected stretch of the OFC route where a fallen tree had damaged the line near the BTS tower close to the Indian Army Field Hospital. 

Through precise OFC splicing and technical expertise, the team restored connectivity to both civil and operational networks. This operation reinstated the primary communications ring in Mahiyanganaya, ensuring the rapid restoration of communication connectivity at this critical time.

Separately, Deputy Minister of Health Hansaka Wijemuni and Secretary to the Ministry of Health Dr. Anil Jasinghe visited the Indian Army Field Hospital operating in Mahiyanganaya near Kandy. 

They reviewed the ongoing medical operations and appreciated the critical humanitarian assistance being provided to flood-affected families, including emergency care, medical outreach services, and life-saving support.

The Indian High Commission noted that India stands ready to support Sri Lanka during this crisis with comprehensive and timely measures. 

Beyond humanitarian relief and medical care, this support also includes rapid, critical on-ground interventions that address urgent operational needs and ensure the continuity of vital public services. These efforts strengthen crisis response and underscore India’s unwavering commitment to stand firmly with the people of Sri Lanka, it added. (Newswire)

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The death toll due to the recent disaster situation in Sri Lanka has risen to 635 as of 12.00 pm today. 

According to the Disaster Management Centre, 192 people remain missing due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. 

A total of 1,766,103 persons from 512,123 families across 25 districts are severely affected due to the disaster situation. 

The DMC states 69,861 persons from 22,218 families have been placed in 690 temporary shelters.

Furthermore, 5,325 houses have been fully damaged, and 81,163 houses were partially damaged during this period. (Newswire)

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Under the government’s urgent relief program aimed at reviving the economy disrupted by the recent adverse weather conditions, the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development has decided to grant Rs. 200,000 to every industry impacted by the disaster, to help them restart operations.

According to a ministry statement, industrialists registered with the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, as well as those registered under institutions functioning under the ministry, including the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), Industrial Development Board (IDB), National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), Small Enterprise Development Division (SED), National Productivity Secretariat (NPS), National Crafts Council (NCC), and National Design Centre (NDC), are eligible to receive this Rs. 200,000 grant.

Applications for this grant can be submitted by industry owners either through the website www.industry.gov.lk or via entrepreneurship development officers, small enterprise development officers, export development officers, and productivity promotion officers stationed at District and Divisional Secretariats.

In addition, to facilitate the rebuilding of industries affected by Cyclone Ditwah, the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development has introduced a mechanism to collect data on such industries. For this purpose, the ministry has provided the telephone number 071-2666660 and requested affected industrialists to promptly share relevant information.

This information must be submitted before 2:00 pm on December 16, either through www.industry.gov.lk or via https://aid.floodsupport.org/business-impact. Necessary assistance can also be obtained from ministry officials stationed at Divisional and District Secretariats.

The ministry expects that by gathering this information, it will be able to coordinate and provide the required support to rebuild all industries affected by the disaster. (Newswire)

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Cardiologist Dr. Gothabhaya Ranasinghe says international studies have confirmed that after an emergency disaster situation, such as Cyclone Ditwah, the incidence of heart attacks and cardiovascular emergencies among individuals can increase by about 40%. 

In a statement on social media, he noted that during such sudden disasters, the loss of homes and loved ones can cause psychological stress, which in turn may lead certain people to develop heart disease.

The specialist further pointed out that factors such as psychological stress, increased blood pressure, and elevated heart rate contribute to this condition.

He also said that being unable to take medicines such as blood pressure tablets, diabetes drugs, cholesterol tablets, aspirin, clopidogrel, and warfarin can also be a cause.

Dr. Gothabhaya Ranasinghe emphasized that at such times one should build mental strength and ensure adequate sleep. 

He advised that if any discomfort or heart‑related condition arises, immediate medical treatment should be sought, and most importantly, people should maintain mental resilience and continue taking their prescribed medications without forgetting them.

What triggers heart attacks after a disaster?

1.High Stress = High Heart Strain

• Adrenaline surges
• Blood pressure increases
• Heart rate accelerates
• Plaque may rupture → Heart attack

2. Poor Sleep & Exhaustion

Crowded shelters and anxiety make quality sleep rare.

Sleep deprivation increases inflammation and disrupts heart function.

3. Interrupted Medication

Access to regular medicines is often lost.

Stopping your:

• Blood pressure pills
• Diabetes medication
• Cholesterol tablets
• Aspirin or Clopidogrel
• Blood thinners (like Warfarin)

Even for a few days, it can be life-threatening.

4. Irregular or Unbalanced Meals

Emergency food may be high in salt, sugar, or lacking key nutrients worsening sugar control, blood pressure, and fluid retention.

5. Coping with Smoking & Alcohol

Many turn to smoking or drinking to deal with stress but both significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and arrhythmias.

Who’s Most at Risk?

Pay special attention if you are:

• A heart attack survivor
• Living with high blood pressure or diabetes
• Elderly
• A regular smoker
• Under emotional or physical stress
• Living with kidney disease

Know These Heart Attack Warning Signs

If you experience any of the following, seek help immediately:

• Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the jaw, neck, arm, or back
• Sudden nausea, sweating, or dizziness
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Swollen legs or trouble breathing when lying down

How to Protect Your Heart During the Crisis

1️. Continue All Medications

Keep them dry and safe. Replace immediately if lost.

Never stop BP meds, diabetes pills, aspirin, or blood thinners without medical advice.

2️. Prioritise Sleep and Rest

Even short naps help reduce cardiac strain.

3️. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

They increase blood pressure and cardiac risk under stress.

4️. Stay Hydrated

Drink safe water regularly to avoid dehydration.

5️. Seek Medical Help Early

Visit your nearest:

• Hospital
• Medical camp
• MOH clinic

Ask for an ECG if you feel chest discomfort, dizziness, or palpitations.

Emergency Support:

• Suwa Seriya Ambulance Service (24/7): 1990
• Sri Lanka STEMI Forum Hotline: +94 76 317 7312 (Newswire)

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The International Monetary Fund has made clear that its immediate priority is to consider Sri Lanka’s request for emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI). 

An IMF spokesperson emphasized that Board deliberation on the RFI stands at the forefront of engagement with Colombo at this critical juncture. 

Alongside this urgent support, the Fund confirmed that a team will visit Sri Lanka in early 2026 to resume discussions on the Fifth Review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

The IMF spokesperson noted that RFI assistance will complement the country’s existing access under the EFF programme.

“In light of the Sri Lankan authorities’ request for emergency financing, IMF Board consideration of the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) request is the priority at the current juncture,”  the IMF spokesperson said on Sunday (07).

The spokesperson noted, “An IMF team will visit Sri Lanka in early 20206 to resume discussions for the completion of the Fifth Review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The support under the RFI is in addition to Sri Lanka’s EFF access.”

The IMF’s Executive Board was to take up Sri Lanka’s fifth review on December 15, and the country was to receive around USD 358 million upon completion.

However, Sri Lanka’s government has requested a USD 200 million RFI in the face of an unprecedented disaster caused by Cyclone Ditwah last week.

Sri Lanka has largely fulfilled most commitments it agreed to for the IMF’s USD 3 billion loan after its unprecedented economic crisis and sovereign debt default in 2022. (Newswire)

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Head of the UAE Relief Team, Dr. Hamoud Al-Afari, has handed over a new shipment of humanitarian aid to the relevant Sri Lankan crisis and disaster management authorities in Kandy.

​The shipment handed over yesterday (04 Dec) includes food supplies, tents, and relief kits to support those affected by the floods and landslides.

This brings the total humanitarian aid provided to date to 75.6 tons, delivered as part of the UAE’s urgent response to alleviate the suffering of affected families in Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah.

​Dr. Al-Afari reaffirmed the UAE’s solidarity with the friendly people of Sri Lanka until they fully recover from the impact of this disaster. 

He noted that UAE efforts and aid will continue in the coming phase to support relief operations and emergency response.

The UAE Search and Rescue team arrived in the Kandy district yesterday, the designated zone for search and rescue operations in the region.

Immediately upon arrival, the team initiated field operations, conducting surveys, assessing damage, searching for missing persons, and providing urgent support to Sri Lankan authorities.

​The team is equipped with advanced gear and includes units specialized in water rescue, along with rescue boats, trained K9 units, and modern technology designed for challenging environments. (Newswire)

UAE Search & Rescue teams have begun operations in Kandy, supporting Sri Lanka after Cyclone and the devastating floods.

Equipped with water-rescue units, K9 teams, rescue boats and advanced technology, they are now on the ground searching for missing persons, assessing damage… pic.twitter.com/XNYzxABoTm

— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) December 5, 2025

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment has set up an emergency disaster response unit to assist families of Sri Lankan migrant workers and others abroad, in light of the current disaster situation in the country.

This unit was established under the directives of Minister Vijitha Herath, with Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra also instructing the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) to provide immediate relief to the migrant worker community.

Due to practical challenges in delivering emergency aid, the SLBFE has allocated up to Rs. 15,000 per family registered with the Bureau. Families can use this allowance to purchase essential goods from local shops, based on their preference. A circular has been issued to facilitate this process, according to Bureau Chairman Kosala Wickramasinghe.

A special program has also been launched to provide compensation for damages caused by the disaster. Under this scheme, information on affected migrant worker families must be collected and submitted by Provincial Senior Managers to the Bureau’s Deputy General Manager (Social Development), in line with the conditions outlined in the circular.

To assist children of migrant workers, the SLBFE has introduced a program to provide school books and supplies. Each child in need will receive material assistance up to Rs. 10,000, ensuring their education continues despite the disaster.

As part of immediate relief measures, migrant worker families are also eligible for up to Rs. 7,000 in aid for purchasing essential medicines.

Affected migrant workers abroad can share their family details with the SLBFE through the hotline 1989 or via WhatsApp at +94 719802822. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Industry has initiated a mechanism to gather data concerning industries that have been affected by Cyclone Ditwah, to collect the necessary information required for the Rebuilding of those industries.

Issuing a statement, the ministry requested that industrialists whose businesses have been damaged provide the relevant information to the data system as quickly as possible.

Actionable Steps and Submission Details:

* Hotline: A special telephone number, 071-2666660, has been introduced for notifying the Ministry about affected industries.

* Online Submission: Information can be entered online via https://aid.floodsupport.org/business-impact or through www.industry.gov.lk. 

* Deadline: The collection of this data must be completed before 2:00 PM on December 16th 2025.

Following the collection of the information, the Ministry of Industries expects to provide the relevant assistance and coordination necessary to help rebuild the industries.

Industrialists seeking support can also obtain assistance from the Development Officer of the Ministry of Industry located at both the Divisional Secretariat and the District Secretariat. (Newswire)

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Uber has announced a Rs. 65 million donation to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to bolster relief and recovery efforts for communities affected by recent disasters in Sri Lanka.

“We stand in solidarity with the communities we serve, and our thoughts are with every family coping with loss, disruption and uncertainty in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah,” Uber said in a statement. 

Uber has donated Rs. 65 million to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society to support relief and recovery efforts for affected communities. This cash contribution will enable the Red Cross team to procure and distribute dry-ration kits, life-saving medicines and essential care packages worth Rs. 30 million across affected regions. 

Additionally, over Rs. 17.5 million has been provided in free Uber rides for Red Cross teams during rescue and relief operations, and Rs. 17.5 million via Uber Eats to source groceries and essential supplies from local merchants for free delivery to impacted households.

Furthermore, to make it easier for the general public to participate in relief efforts, Uber has also partnered with the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) to support a public Donation Drive through which dry rations and essential goods can be sent to affected households at no cost.

“We are facilitating donation pick-ups in Colombo through the Uber app, with all items delivered to the central collection point set up by CMC at the Colombo Town Hall,” it said. Sri Lankans can participate in the donation drive by following these steps:

*For packages under 5 kg, choose ‘Courier Moto’. For packages between 5-25 kg, choose ‘Courier Auto’. All donation-related trips originating from Core Colombo to the collection point will be free of charge.

These latest efforts build on Uber’s ongoing collaboration with the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, including prior joint work to support vaccination transport services, community relief drives during COVID, and providing emergency first-aid training to drivers to enhance safety on the platform. 

The partnership with CMC strengthens this commitment by enabling community participation and ensuring support reaches affected families quickly and efficiently.

With Cyclone Ditwah affecting many regions across the country, Uber said it remains committed to supporting immediate relief efforts and helping communities recover in the weeks and months ahead. (Newswire)

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has dispatched another humanitarian relief consignment to Sri Lanka as part of its ongoing support for communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. 

According to the President’s Office, the aid shipment arrived this afternoon 903 Dec) aboard a UAE Air Force C-17A aircraft.

The cargo consisted of food packets, relief bags, rescue vehicles and utility vehicles, all intended to strengthen the ongoing search, rescue and recovery operations in cyclone-affected areas. 

The consignment was officially received by Brigadier Sachindra Wijesiriwardhane of the Sri Lanka Army, who conveyed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the UAE’s swift assistance.

The relief was provided by the UAE’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, and they reaffirmed their continued commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s emergency response efforts. 

This latest delivery adds to the growing international support mobilised to aid Sri Lanka’s recovery from the disaster. (Newswire)

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The United National Party (UNP) on Tuesday accused the government of failing to activate Sri Lanka’s National Disaster Management Plan during last week’s severe flooding, saying the omission contributed to the scale of devastation reported across the country.

In a special statement, dated 02 December 2025, the party said the Disaster Management Council is legally required to formulate and implement the National Disaster Management Plan under the Disaster Management Act No. 13 of 2005, but key procedures outlined in the plan were not followed.

According to the document, the plan requires constant coordination with technical agencies such as the Department of Meteorology, the National Building Research Organisation, and the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, along with international early-warning bodies. It also mandates the issuance of early warnings, preparation of bulletins, and dissemination of alerts to vulnerable communities through Grama Niladhari divisions, media, mobile alerts, call centres and local authorities.

The plan also outlines a “last-mile dissemination” process involving the Disaster Management Centre’s Emergency Operation Centre, the military, police, provincial agencies and humanitarian organizations. The UNP statement includes an infographic showing the required chain of communication from technical agencies to community-level alerts on hazards such as floods, landslides and storms.

The party said national-level annual preparedness meetings, required under section 3.13 of the plan and involving key agencies, including the Irrigation Department and the Ministry of Health, were part of the mandated emergency readiness process. A sensitization workshop on the 2023-2030 plan was held in June this year, led by the Disaster Management Centre, with the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence as chief speaker, the statement noted.

However, the UNP said the plan was not activated on November 27 as the country braced for the worst impacts of Cyclone Ditwah. Instead, the most critical operational day, November 28, was declared a public holiday, and early-warning communication outlined in the plan “was never activated,” the party said.

The statement further argued that the President failed to invoke Sections 11 and 12 of the Disaster Management Act, which allow the declaration of a State of Disaster. As a result, the act “was never put into operation,” it said. The party also said the President, Prime Minister and Cabinet “failed to act under the relevant provisions of the laws to mitigate the harm done by a disaster”.

Quoting a Supreme Court observation from the Easter Sunday attack cases, the UNP said failure by the executive to act or prevent harm during a crisis may amount to a constitutional violation if it infringes upon the fundamental right to life. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka says the death toll from the island-wide disaster has risen to 410 as of 10.00 am today (02 Dec).

According to the Disaster Management Centre’s latest update, 336 people remain missing across all 25 districts. (Newswire)

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The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says it is expanding its support to Sri Lanka’s appeal for international aid as the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah has risen to more than 350, with over 360 more reported missing. 

Issuing a statement, the IOM said that Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency as severe flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure have affected nearly 1 million people and displaced over 209,000 individuals.

“The people of Sri Lanka have not seen such widespread destruction in years,” said Kristin Parco, IOM Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka. “Communities have been uprooted, and many families are now sheltering in overcrowded, temporary spaces while facing immense uncertainty. We are entering a critical phase of this emergency, and mobilizing humanitarian assistance is essential to reduce the suffering of those displaced by Cyclone Ditwah and to ensure their safety, dignity, and access to basic services during this difficult time.”

IOM teams are on the ground strengthening the emergency response by providing non-food items, shelter, and other critical supplies, in close coordination with the Sri Lankan Disaster Management Centre (DMC), other United Nations agencies, and international partners. To reinforce these efforts, IOM is exploring its local networks and prepositioned goods in nearby countries to ensure efficient and timely distribution of assistance, particularly as access challenges continue to emerge in flood-affected and remote areas.

The priority for the next 48 hours to one week will remain search-and-rescue operations and providing urgent humanitarian relief to remote areas and hard-to-reach populations. IOM is also supporting authorities through volunteer deployments, coordination assistance, and joint needs assessments to ensure accurate and timely information for response planning.

Tropical Cyclone Ditwah has inundated all 25 districts of Sri Lanka with 150–500 mm of continuous heavy rainfall and winds reaching 70–90 km/h over three days. Power outages, major road blockages, and significant disruptions to communications networks have been reported across the country. 

Several high-risk areas, including the districts of Batticaloa, Ampara, Puttalam, Polonnaruwa, Gampaha, Badulla, Kegalle, Kurunegala, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Matale, and Colombo, have been placed on red alert, with the highest number of people affected and emergency evacuation orders issued for communities along vulnerable river basins and landslide-prone slopes. The storm made landfall on 28 November and caused some of the most severe flooding the country has experienced in nearly two decades. 

IOM urges the public to continue following official advisories and to remain prepared for further flooding, landslides, strong winds, extended power outages, and possible disruptions to essential services as Cyclone Ditwah’s impacts continue. (Newswire)

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A total of 366 deaths have been reported in Sri Lanka due to adverse weather, in the 06 days from November 26 to December 01.

According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC), 367 people are reported missing as of 06.00 pm today.

A total of 1,151,776 persons from 316,366 families across 25 districts have been severely affected.

The DMC states that 218,526 individuals from 61,612 families remain at 1,564 safety shelters as of today. (Newswire)

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says the government has begun discussions with the World Bank to prepare a detailed assessment of the damage caused across sectors due to adverse weather and the financial requirements for reconstruction. 

The President revealed that the World Bank has already been commissioned to conduct the Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) and that the government expects to receive the GRADE assessment within approximately two weeks.

He further said that the government has decided to initiate a medium and long term recovery programme, integrating both the public and private sectors, to mobilize resources for rebuilding the country’s essential infrastructure such as highways and irrigation systems damaged by the recent disaster.

Accordingly, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that it is intended to establish a fund with contributions from all sectors and to appoint a Joint Management Committee, comprising both public and private sector representatives, with Cabinet approval, to oversee the management of the fund.

Highlighting the extent of the devastation caused by floods and landslides, the President noted that the damage is far greater than what is visible on the surface. He emphasized that the Treasury alone cannot bear the full financial burden of recovery.

President Dissanayake further noted that funds for reconstruction could be mobilized through multiple channels, including local contributions, the Sri Lankan expatriates, foreign governments, international organizations and business associations. The coordination and management of these efforts will primarily be entrusted to the appointed committee.

He further pointed out that houses, farmlands, plantations, highways, bridges, government buildings, schools and even electricity poles have been destroyed as a result of the disaster. Landslides have caused extensive damage to road networks, which will require major rehabilitation, the President added. 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake made these remarks during a meeting held last night (30) at the Presidential Secretariat with a group of private sector investors. (Newswire)

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